​More than 300 people braved minus-20-degree windchills and numerous roadways impacted by snowdrifts and limited visibility due to blowing snow to attend the Third Annual Environmental Education Expo at the Montour Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

“It was great to see so many families brave the cold temperatures and wind. I thought the cold weather might keep people home,” said Renee Carey, director of the Northcentral PA Conservancy, one of 25 different groups that manned hands-on, interactive activities for families who attended the show.

“I had kids as young as 3 and as old as 19 play the game we brought. I think they all got something out of it, and enjoyed being a bird and trying to find food they could eat with their beak,” she said. “I really like the family focus of the event and the hands-on activities. I think the kids and their adults both enjoy learning and exploring.”

Due to the incoming storm, this event has been cancelled.  We will reschedule at a later date.

Women Reconnecting and Engaging with Nature, known as WREN, will hold its annual planning meeting at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, in the auditorium at Montour Preserve. The meeting is open to current participants and anyone interested in learning more about the group and helping shape the year ahead.

WREN is designed to bring women together through shared outdoor experiences that encourage skill building, confidence and connection with nature. The planning meeting will include a review of the past year, discussion of upcoming activities and opportunities for participants to share ideas for future outings and programs.

Due to the incoming storm this event has been cancelled.  We will reschedule at a later date.

The Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership’s Aquatic Explorers Club will host its annual planning meeting at 4:30 p.m. January 25, in the auditorium of the Montour Preserve Environmental Education Center. Current members, as well as youth ages 10 to 13 who are interested in joining the club, are invited to attend.

As part of the Learning for Life program, the club is chartered by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and operates on an annual registration and calendar. Programming includes stream studies, fishing, educational programs and other hands-on activities that emphasize teamwork, leadership and environmental responsibility.

The Montour Preserve will be hosting the third annual Environmental Education Expo from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, as an ideal way to beat cabin fever with hands-on nature-based learning for all ages, according to Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames.

"The Environmental Education Expo offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn from local experts and explore activities designed for learners of all ages," she said. "Whether you are an educator, a family or just curious to learn more, the expo offers inspiration, resources and connections."

Previous events have brought hundreds of people to the Montour Preserve each February, giving the venue increased awareness a few weeks before its annual popular maple sugaring program, scheduled in 2026 for Feb. 28.

Kelly Gallo, environmental education specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will present a program titled “The Pennsylvania Snowshoe Hare: A Master of Seasonal Survival” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in the auditorium at Montour Preserve’s Environmental Education Center. The presentation will offer an in-depth look at one of northern Pennsylvania’s most remarkable residents, the snowshoe hare.

Unfortunately, due to very icy conditions on the trail, we have made the decision to cancel today’s First Day Hike out of concern for participant safety.
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The Pennsylvania Master Naturalists will once again host the popular New Year’s Day hike at Montour Preserve. The public is invited to gather at Goose Cove Pavilion 2 for the hike on Jan. 1, 2026, which begins at 1 p.m. and follows the nearly 4-mile Chilisuagi Trail around Lake Chillisquaque.

Women Reconnecting and Engaging with Nature (WREN) will host a natural holiday craft making workshop on Nov. 23 at 1:30 p.m., inviting participants to create seasonal décor from foraged and sustainable materials.

​The program will begin with a guided nature walk, where participants can gather natural materials to use in their projects. Following the walk, the group will move indoors for a hands-on workshop, transforming their collected items into unique holiday crafts that highlight the beauty of the season and the creativity found in nature.

​Montour Preserve will host a daylong community festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, as the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and its Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership present Pack the Preserve.  The free, family-friendly event will feature a range of activities spread throughout Montour Preserve.

Ten women from across the region spent Aug. 16-17 backpacking during an overnight trip made possible by a partnership between Deep Green Journey, the Vernal School’s Women Reconnecting and Engaging with Nature (WREN) program, and Rider Park.

The group hiked 6.5 miles over two days, crossing Blessing Mountain and finishing near Jacoby Falls. For some, including Shaina Davis of Danville, it was a first backpacking experience, carrying full packs and camping overnight in the woods.

“I challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone and go backpacking.” Davis explained. “This was my first backpacking experience. It was great! I would do it again!”